Russian-occupied Oleshky in southern Ukraine faces a critical humanitarian catastrophe as remaining civilian food supplies have completely vanished, according to local residents, regional military authorities, and Ukrainian officials. Military authorities in Kherson conducted an emergency airdrop of about four tonnes of food and supplies over the weekend after Russia reportedly rejected a ceasefire for civilian evacuation.
Humanitarian Crisis and Severe Food Shortages in Oleshky
Food supplies in Oleshky, a city across the Dnipro River from Kherson that once housed 24,000 residents, have entirely halted. According to local reports, the remaining 2,000 civilians—including 50 children—survive on a single daily meal of soup made from courgette grown in apartment flower boxes and foraged purslane weeds.
A resident waiting for evacuation reported that her weight dropped from 110kg to 67kg due to the lack of proper protein-rich food. Messages shared with the Guardian indicate that Russian frontline troops have stolen stored food reserves from elderly residents. Meanwhile, Russian forces have expanded minefields and drone operations since May, blocking regular humanitarian access.
Kherson Military Administration Airdrops Emergency Supplies
To combat the siege conditions, military authorities in Kherson launched a large-scale airdrop this weekend using large drones. Kherson military governor Oleksandr Prokudin stated that the operation delivered about four tonnes of emergency food, water, and medical supplies to 100 distribution points across Oleshky and surrounding areas.
However, Ukrainian officials note that the operation’s effectiveness remains limited. Russian soldiers have seized airdropped supplies, and at least one intended recipient was arrested by occupying forces. Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha raised the crisis at the UN General Assembly in New York, accusing Russia of deliberately starving the population and acting as the sole obstacle to evacuation.
Accusations and Evacuation Obstacles
Kyiv and Moscow present contrasting accounts regarding the security situation and supply routes. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the critical situation in Oleshky this month but blamed Ukrainian forces for blocking humanitarian supplies intended for residents. Conversely, Ukrainian officials maintain that Russian forces target vehicles attempting to deliver aid and block all evacuation agreements.
Tetiana Hasanenko, head of the Oleshky military administration operating from the western side of the Dnipro River, stated that access deteriorated significantly after Russia blew up the Kakhovka dam in 2023, which flooded cellars and ruined local infrastructure. Hasanenko also reported that Russian forces are restricting evacuations to use remaining civilians as human shields against a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive from Kherson.
Aid deliveries by drone to Oleshky under Russian occupation
How many civilians remain in Oleshky?
Approximately 2,000 civilians, including 50 children, remain in Oleshky and surrounding villages under Russian occupation.
Why have humanitarian supplies stopped reaching the city?
Supplies halted because occupying Russian forces expanded minefields and drone cover, and frontline troops have reportedly stolen remaining food stores from residents.
How are Ukrainian authorities delivering aid?
Military authorities in Kherson have used large drones to carry out large-scale airdrops of emergency food, water, and medical supplies to distribution points in the city.
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